The owner of vegan French bakery in Glasgow has won an award from The Prince's Trust.
Marlene, 25, who owns, TheDorkyFrench in the city's Parnie Street, won the NatWest Enterprise Award which recognises young people who have overcome adversity to set up their own sustainable business or social enterprise through The Prince’s Trust Enterprise Programme.
The Prince’s Trust and TK Maxx and Homesense Awards celebrate young individuals who have overcome challenges, improved their situations in life and are actively contributing to their communities.
Marlene said: "For me the real win is being able to bring a little bit of joy and comfort to customers through our products, and to provide hope for a whole community of people who believe in the values of the business.
"But this award acknowledges how tirelessly I worked to make it happen and the sacrifices I made in my personal life for the business.
"Winning the award reinforces my faith that it is all worth the effort."
With the help of her mentors at The Prince's Trust, Marlene was granted funding which enabled her to move her company out of her home kitchen.
After getting the keys to her new premises in May 2023, she opened her bakery and cafe in Glasgow's city centre three months later in June 2023.
Steven Hamill, regional enterprise director, RBS, said: "We’re delighted to be back again this year as the proud sponsor of The Prince’s Trust Enterprise Award, and to celebrate Marlene as this year’s winner in Scotland.
"It is great to see Marlene thrive with such great purpose having overcome so many challenges as a young entrepreneur – a truly deserving winner."
Another winner of a Prince's Trust award is Sarah, 30, from Strathaven.
Through her journey and passion for baking, she has inspired girls in her local school to overcome educational struggles to achieve successful careers and run businesses.
She took home the Marvel Young Change Maker Award, dedicated to a young person who has transformed their life and used their personal background to influence and inspire others.
Sarah, who struggled with poor mental health and was misdiagnosed during her adolescence, now inspires other young women who believe they can't lead their businesses or speak publicly in front of an audience.
She has also launched her own cake-baking company after graduating from The Prince’s Trust’s Enterprise programme.
She said: I feel incredibly proud of what I’ve managed to achieve and it’s great to be recognised for my hard work.
“Sometimes I can’t believe the things I’m doing. I know that when I was in school, I would have never thought it possible that I’d be standing up in front of rooms full of people or in a classroom inspiring other girls like me. I am proud of myself, but I know there’s still more to come."
Dan Scott, vice-president marketing consumer products games and publishing for Europe, Middle East and Africa, The Walt Disney Company, said: “Well done to Sarah on winning the Young Change Maker in Scotland. Sarah is an inspiration and I’m sure we can expect big things from him/her in the future. We hope she continues to go on to achieve great things and provide inspiration for so many other young people along the way. Well done to Sarah.”
Three in four young people helped by The Prince’s Trust move into work, training or education.
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